Yeah,The Stanley Cup champs with everyone returning but a lazy 3rd liner and a dman that was terrible are huge blows.Fire in the fact this team is extremely young and has Seguin (franchise player) coming along and they look like they are headed to the basement this year.

Our core players are entering their prime, we had rookies last year who made huge returns and drank from the cup.

Sure we need to add a piece or two but the playoffs don't start in July.

The Bruins are getting better, simply because of the passage of time - Seguin will be better, Marchand will be better, Looch will be better, Kampfer will be better and healthy, our rooks will be better, Kelly and Peverley will be better with a full season in the system. Boston doesn't need to get beter through UFA right now - we have ten months almost to worry about fixing any lineup holes, and I'm really not that sure we even have any right now. What gap do we have in this team right now that can't potentially be filled by our system?

Seguin's most likely going to be a 20-30 goal scorer next season, Marshmont is still developing and will be even better, solid depth in Providence and getting better with rising prospects.. I think we're fine.

The Bruins are getting better, simply because of the passage of time - Seguin will be better, Marchand will be better, Looch will be better, Kampfer will be better and healthy, our rooks will be better, Kelly and Peverley will be better with a full season in the system. Boston doesn't need to get beter through UFA right now - we have ten months almost to worry about fixing any lineup holes, and I'm really not that sure we even have any right now. What gap do we have in this team right now that can't potentially be filled by our system?Posted by red75

I have no problem with who we have lost and the 2 players we added. As other posters have said above look for our younger players to improve. We still have to get Marchy to a new deal but going forward we have as of right now about 8 mill under the cap and if savy retires thats another 4 more. I like the fact we have plenty of cap flexibilaty to either re sighn our own guys in the coming years or we could even go out and get a star if PC deems it nesseary. Pouliot and Corvo are low risk and potential high rewards and are both UFA's after next season. I used to dog PC's contracts he gave out and how he managed the cap if he has earned the trust of one of his hardest critics in my self then how don't some of you? HE HELPED BRING US THE CUP!

Looks like Philly, Rangers, and Sabers are all making moves to get better. So far, boston is moving backwards. We lost rider and have not done anything to get better. Could it be that PC is complacent with where the team is now. I for one think that we were just 1 unlucky bounce away from not making it to the SCF; we definatly need some new pices to get better.Posted by dbg1

After your assessment of the team in round 1, I hope you'll forgive me for not putting any weight into your opinion regarding the team......see below for example.........

ramzz...it is because the Bs have a losers' mentality. They came into this series beleiving that it would be a successiful season if we made it past the first round. What the F. There is only one stanly cup winner....the other 15 teams lose. This team's mentality should be...the cup or nothing. Go all out...do anything to win the cup, take chances and if you lose....well you tried. Instead we get this.dgb1

I think the more pertinent question for Bruins fans is this: Is Tim Thomas, at age 37, capable of putting together back-to-back Vezina quality, I'll-carry-the-team-on-my-back-to-the-Cup-Finals seasons? If not, is Rask able to pick up the torch?Posted by 49-North

Rask led the NHL in GAA and SP in the season between TT's Vezina wins. I'll say the torch is reasonably safe.

Looks like Philly, Rangers, and Sabers are all making moves to get better. So far, boston is moving backwards. We lost rider and have not done anything to get better. Could it be that PC is complacent with where the team is now. I for one think that we were just 1 unlucky bounce away from not making it to the SCF; we definatly need some new pices to get better.Posted by dbg1

I think the more pertinent question for Bruins fans is this: Is Tim Thomas, at age 37, capable of putting together back-to-back Vezina quality, I'll-carry-the-team-on-my-back-to-the-Cup-Finals seasons? If not, is Rask able to pick up the torch?Posted by 49-North

I think the more pertinent question for Bruins fans is this: Is Tim Thomas, at age 37, capable of putting together back-to-back Vezina quality, I'll-carry-the-team-on-my-back-to-the-Cup-Finals seasons? If not, is Rask able to pick up the torch?Posted by 49-North

In Response to Re: Everyone in the East Getting Better...except for : Seriously? A Vancouver fan questioning Boston's goaltending! Thanks. That really made me laugh.Posted by Bruinfaninnewjersey

If you weren't a bandwagon jumper, you'd probably realize that 49-North is here to talk hockey. He raises a legitimate point. How do we know that Thomas can repeat what he did last year? And if he can't, how do we know that Rask is able to take charge again? I personally believe that the Bruins would be fine in either situation, but you never know.

it sucks to see Ryder,Recchi and Even Kaberle go because they are Now so very special. but we need to know how put our feet back on thr ground and get back o building this team and going in right direction.

Our biggest need was a top 4 D. I would have signed Kabs at 4 mil/season, but it didnt happen. i wish him luck in Carolina.

Corvo? i think its the same type of addition as Pouliot ( trust me i saw this guy play 22 times last year at bell center) They are Depth p/u's in case our studs dont develop as quick.

I like the idea of having a lot of cap room. its always a big plus to have that flexibility. In PC we trust. + if Thomas keeps playing like this, we don't need anyone else :)